Maree POV My hate for Nicole has grown over the years, eating me from the inside out. If only she hadn't stolen him from me, my life would be different. It is her fault my parents haven't spoken to me since I sent Sasha to live with Michael; when Lucian came to see Leon, I did what I had to do to ensure I would be the one he chose as his mate. The fact that he already had a son was appealing as the thought of being a mother again has always sickened me. Lucian is an unforgiving prick at times, and I can't afford for him to find out about my past. I could have killed him when he told me who he had arranged to become Isaac’s mate. There is no way I will suffer the bitches presence on my land. He said that the Red River Luna’s name was Diana; what the fuck happened to Nicole? Not that I give a damn about her, but I would have to have felt something if she had died, and I will do whatever is necessary to stop Lucian from finding out about Sasha. Tip toeing around the mud puddles in th
Nathan POVMonique's voice in my mind wakes me up.“We need you and Drew at the border, Nathan; we have a family of rogues wanting to cross into your territory.”“Don't let them out of your sight; we will be there soon.”Drew’s still asleep. I shake him awake,“Get up; we are needed.”He growls, still pissed off with me about last night, and puts on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.“Where’s Amy and Layla,” he asks.I shrug and mindlink Monique again,“Are the girls still at the cabin?”She laughs through the link,“They won't be awake for hours with the amount of alcohol they consumed.” I turn to Drew,“Layla and Amy are still asleep. We will be back before Amy wakes up.”He snarls as he follows me downstairs; it will take us half an hour to reach Monique.“What can you tell me about the wolves, Monique.”“A male-female and one pup. There’s something off about the male.” I watch as the rogue approaches. The male is large and very muscular; the way he walks shows me he is overconfident
Nathan POVWe have just returned to the packhouse when Amy squeals, running up onto the porch and jumping into Drew's arms.A smile spreads across Drew's face as he looks at me, fuck no! Neither of them notices Diana and me running in opposite directions; there is no fucking way I want to hear Drew and Amy getting it on.I open the cabin door slowly; Layla is spread across the bed, sound asleep. The smell of stale alcohol stops me in my tracks. How much did they drink last night? There are empty bottles everywhere. I get why Layla is hesitant to let me mark her and complete our mate bond, but my patience is wearing thin. Trying to control Neo when she is near us is nearly impossible. That's why I encouraged Danni last night and didn't tell her to fuck off. I wanted to see Layla’s reaction, and I wasn't disappointed; she definitely has a temper on her. Opening the windows to let some fresh air in, I start tidying up. Sitting at the table drinking a coffee, I remember I need my fuckin
Nicole POV Alec is playing quietly on the end of the bed; one of the nurses has given him some coloring pencils and a book to color in. When Marian entered the room, my heart filled with joy; my friend hadn't changed in the last eight years. Holding back my tears, I tell her what my life has been like since I was forced to leave Michael’s territory and my baby girl behind. “She is not a baby anymore, Nicole.” “Where is she, Marian? Why didn't she come with you?” Her big brown eyes glisten with tears as she says, “Layla sent me to make sure it was really you.” I close my eyes and smile as the image of Layla at ten years old enters my mind. Marian leans closer to me, whispering, “She looks exactly like you, but she is tough Nicole; nobody can make her do anything if she doesn't want to.” I chew my bottom lip and say, “Unlike me, is that what you mean, Marian?” She laughs, “You know me better than that, Nicole; I would never judge you or your actions.” Alec crawls up the be
Jackson POV My brother met my Beta Carter and me just outside Lucian's border; I didn't want to be here for too long; Lucian and I have never agreed on anything. He is a pathetic Alpha, and his views regarding she-wolfs are outdated, bordering on slavery for all females except his precious Luna, who I am yet to meet. Leon growls when I approach him, saying, “About fucking time you showed up, Jackson.” “You could have gone in without me, Leon; you didn't have to wait.” “Not a chance in hell I am not listening to that stupid prick by myself.” We are surrounded by his warriors as soon as we enter Lucian's border. I laugh and mind link Leon, “Something has got him riled up. Has he never put on a show of strength like this before?” “Pretty piss poor one at that we could take these pricks out with our hands tied behind our backs.” I laugh. Leon already knows I will fade into the background and leave the talking up to him. That way, I can observe everyone in the room without them
Layla POVI don't have a destination in mind when I leave the hospital; Lea’s voice enters my mind. It's obvious she is pissed off at me when she says,“You should not have walked out on our mother, Layla.”Rolling my eyes at her, I don't answer. She growls deep in my head before moving to the back of my mind.Lea is correct, but I always need time to process new information. Rushing into things has never been my style, and if I get too angry with no outlet, I usually cry like a baby.When I reach the stream behind Nathan's parent's cottage, I remove my sneakers and put my feet in the water. It is so peaceful here; the animals playing in the woods and the water from the waterfall are the only sounds that reach my ears.I need to put my big girl panties on and take control of my life; the first thing on the agenda is to get my mother and Alec out of that hospital; keeping a little boy locked in one room is cruel. I pick my shoes up and make my way to Marian’s house.Diana is smiling as
Sasha POV Dating Jacob was the best thing I could ever have done. Like most unmated male wolfs, he always thought with his dick. Because of Jacob, I have met most of the scouts from surrounding packs, so I can enter many territories without being stopped. On the odd occasion, I get questioned, it is easy to manipulate the situation. I am an incredible lay, good-looking, and with a great body. The small head always clouds their judgment. I followed Drew once the attack was over. When I saw Amy was still alive, I was irritated but willing to let it go as she is a nobody, it irked me a bit that Drew seemed interested, but again I am adaptable and set my sights higher. Nathan will do; he is good-looking enough, and being an Alpha definitely adds to his appeal. Winding my way through the trees, I pick up the scent of wolves; I slow down as a male-female and pup approach Nathan’s border. It isn't long before Nathan and Drew come; Drew leads the female away. The male doesn't get to say any
Nathan POVI have doubled the patrol around our territory and sent my scouts further afield, so we are warned when Nicole's mate turns up. He is coming; there is no doubt in my mind. I can't fault him for wanting to find his family; I would move heaven and hell to find Layla if someone took her. I rub her back as I say,“Layla, sweetheart, wake up.”She moans, moving closer to me,“It's too early, Nathan; come back to bed.”I would love to crawl back into bed with her, but trying to stop Neo from claiming her is torture. I shake her again. My voice is rougher than I intended when I say,“Layla, you need to get up; I only have a couple of days to show you everything you need to know before Jackson attacks.”She sits up, rubbing her eyes, “I’m awake. Just let me have a shower, and I am all yours.”I groan. My eyes travel along Layla’s body; not yet, you aren't, but you soon will be. Neo’s laugh fills my mind; Layla thinks I’m bad. If she knew what Neo wanted to do to her, she would run